Enhancing leadership training in health services – an evidence-based practice-oriented approach

Abstract

Purpose Globally, private and public organisations invest ever increasing amounts of money, time and effort to develop leadership capabilities in current and future leaders. Whilst such investment results in benefits for some, the full value of developmental strategies on offer is not always realised. Challenges inhibiting achievement of full value include struggling to identify learning programs that best fit with the organisational structure, culture, mission and vision and difficulties in maximising engagement of personnel at multiple levels of the management structure. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this study is to introduce a pathway for health services to develop and embed simulation-based educational strategies that provide targeted learning for leaders and teams. Aligning this approach to leadership development through presentation of case studies in which the model has been applied illustrates the pathway for application in the health-care sector. Findings The findings of the approach to leadership development are presented through the presentation of a case study illustrating application of the ADELIS model to simulation-based learning. Practical implications The ADELIS model, outlined in this study, provides a guide for creating customised and flexible learning designs that apply simulation-based learning, enabling organisations to develop and provide leadership training for individuals, units and teams that is appropriately fit for purpose. Originality/value The key contribution to health-care leadership development offered in this study is the rationale for using simulation-based learning accompanied by a model and pathway for creating such a pedagogical approach, which embraces the reality of workplace circumstances.